Students who got into RISD:

Dec 22 2014Industrial DesignDon't do what others have done. I don't know if the bike drawing is still a requisite, but I didn't draw a bike. It's not a test, a portfolio, and to be honest it can't possibly be a test because half the time the reviewers can't even voice exactly what they want to see. Just do what you want, if you get in that's what you'll have to do in the future anyways- no one's going to tell you what to make.SAT: 2000 Female

Feb 13 2012UndecidedPortfolio and the drawing assignments. I recommend a cohesive, yet varied portfolio. RISD appreciates drawing, but more important then drawing ability is conceptual thought and sophisticated approaches and media. If you want to get in, send good observational drawing (nothing drawn from photographs, ever.) but if you want to get merit scholarship money, you should be making installations, performances, ect. A lot of people can draw, they like to see what else you can do that really sets you apart.ACT: 28 Female

Oct 13 2010Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etcIf you want to get into any of the schools you are applying for with ease (or a scholarship) you need an ACT composite of at least 27 or higher, but you can get into RISD with a mid-twenties score. 1700 or higher on the SAT is also advisable, but keep in mind that people learn differently, and RISD caters to that. RISD is expensive and scholarships are few and far between... but sophomore year its easier to get money from this school. Have a portfolio of lots of varied works. It is also a good idea to take an AP art class in high school or join an art club. If you get a 4 or 5 on the AP art exam submit that to RISD, but I wouldn't submit a score of 3 or lower. All of those things look good to admissions.ACT: 29 Female

Oct 07 2010Interior DesignRISD is very selective (around 35% acceptance rate). if you wanna get in, expect to hand in a good portfolio (technique wise and creativity wise). Also take AP classes it will pay off, as RISD accepts AP credits. Take lots of art classes in HS (i took 3 AP art classes and get good SAT scores- yes risd considers sat scores. Also, i highly suggest you take the summer classes offered at RISD for Highschoolers- it will give u a good preview of ur college life here. I wish I did, I def. would not have chosen to come here if only i knew earlier...Female